US20040107966A1 - Therapeutic single dose gas administration system - Google Patents
Therapeutic single dose gas administration system Download PDFInfo
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- US20040107966A1 US20040107966A1 US10/315,367 US31536702A US2004107966A1 US 20040107966 A1 US20040107966 A1 US 20040107966A1 US 31536702 A US31536702 A US 31536702A US 2004107966 A1 US2004107966 A1 US 2004107966A1
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- Prior art keywords
- gaseous mixture
- patient
- flow
- storage tank
- regulator
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
- A61M16/208—Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
- G05D16/04—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power
- G05D16/10—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a piston or plunger
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
- A61M16/12—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
- A61M2202/02—Gases
- A61M2202/0208—Oxygen
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
- A61M2202/02—Gases
- A61M2202/025—Helium
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
- A61M2205/276—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing unwanted use
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system for administering a gaseous mixture in a single continuous dose to a patient for medical treatment. More specifically, this invention relates to a device for administering a single dose of gas to a patient by means of a control valve that once turned to the “on” position cannot be turned to the “off” position by the patient.
- a gaseous mixture of helium and oxygen referred to herein as a “heliox” mixture
- a heliox mixture consisting solely of helium and oxygen (usually about 80% helium and about 20% oxygen) will help increase the oxygen absorption into the restricted and blocked bronchioles of the lungs.
- 6,001,332 contends that because the density of helium is lower than that of oxygen, a heliox mixture is more readily absorbed by restricted bronchioles than pure oxygen. It is believed that when oxygen is mixed with helium in a heliox mixture, the mixture of the gasses will allow more oxygen to enter the lungs and alleviate a severe asthmatic attack.
- heliox The sudden removal of helium from the patient's lungs may cause the patient to lapse into an acute asthmatic attack, the severity of which may be fatal.
- a heliox treatment in order for a heliox treatment to be effective, it should be administered continuously in a single dose until a qualified medical specialist can determine that the heliox is no longer needed or that other treatment may be safely administered.
- the mixture used is a heliox mixture comprising about 80% helium to about 20% oxygen without other gas constituents.
- this system is such a device that provides a therapeutic gaseous heliox mixture in a safe, single dose, at a continuous flow; that is of high quality and of a reliable nature; that can be packed in a sterile tamper-resistant container; that is capable of handling a variety of different gaseous mixtures at varying pressures; that cannot be activated by accident; and that can be reset and reused; and that is capable of being easily reset by a specialized tool for further use and recharged by an authorized entity.
- the system comprises a regulator including a flow initiation control operable by the patient to initiate the flow of a gaseous mixture from a pressure vessel which is connected to a regulator.
- a lock on the regulator prevents the control from being turned to the “off” position once activated.
- a specialized tool is provided to allow the regulator to be reset after it has been used, so that the system and be recharged and reset.
- gaseous mixture when used in this application generally is meant to include any suitable and type of gas or liquid that is in a gaseous state once released from the pressurized container.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved gas administration system of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the regulator.
- FIG. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 5 is a top plain view of a control valve of the regulator.
- FIG. 6 is a bottom plain view of the control valve of FIG. 1 of the regulator.
- FIG. 7 is a vertical cross sectional view of the top section of the regulator as taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 8 is perspective and cross sectional view of the regulator with the special resetting tool in place.
- FIG. 1 shows a system A of the invention in its entirety with the exception of a special resetting tool which is described below.
- the system is designed to provide a patient having breathing difficulty with a single dose of an easily breathable gaseous mixture comprised of about 80% helium to 20% oxygen (the mixture being herein called “heliox”).
- the system can then be reset and refilled after use.
- System A comprises as basic components a regulator 1 , a gas storage tank 2 , and a resetting tool 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 8).
- Regulator 1 includes a body 10 having a handle 12 for carrying the system. Regulator 10 is connected to a gas storage tank 2 by a regulator body fitting 10 A.
- the tank is preferably of size “D” so as to hold enough heliox as supplied to a patient in a continuous dose to enable the patient to arrive at a treatment center such as a hospital where more permanent treatment can be administered.
- a resetting tool 3 mentioned above is usable to reset regulator 1 after use and is discussed in greater detail below.
- the regulator comprises a body 10 of brass alloy. Substantially all components of body 10 are constructed of brass except as otherwise noted.
- a fill fitting 11 Extending outwardly from body 10 perpendicular to its vertical axis are a fill fitting 11 and a fitting assembly 13 , both of which are constructed of brass alloy.
- Fill fitting 11 is for filling tank 2 with heliox mixture and fitting assembly 13 is for connecting tubing for supplying the patient with a dose of heliox.
- a pressure gauge 21 Extruding outwardly from one side of body 10 is a pressure gauge 21 for showing the pressure of the heliox mixture in tank 2 .
- a gauge protector 22 protects pressure gauge 21 from external damage.
- the gauge protector may be of the design configuration described in co-assigned U.S. Design patent application Serial No. 29/153,112 filed Nov. 9, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
- Body 10 is also encircled by a hex ring 10 B which is constructed of an aluminum alloy and secures together body 10 and a cap 41 of the body, as described below.
- Fill fitting 11 is configured to receive a known type of filling connection (not shown) for refilling tank 2 with the heliox mixture by an authorized service entity, enabling system A to be used multiple times.
- Fitting outlet assembly 13 permits the heliox to exit regulator 1 and then be delivered by a tubing 13 T to the patient.
- Assembly 13 can deliver the gaseous mixture to one or more users at one time as by connecting more than one breathing tube connection to body 10 allowing for a single or double outlet device.
- One such fitting outlet assembly is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, but multiple such assemblies can be used (as in FIG. 8) for dispensing heliox to multiple patients.
- Rupture kit 45 provides an emergency gas discharge outlet permitting the gas to escape if the pressure in tank 2 is too high, as in the event of an overpressure caused by a fire for example.
- the pressure at which gas could escape through rupture kit 45 is pre-determined according to known minimum save levels.
- the preferred gaseous mixture of heliox comprises about 80% helium to about 20% oxygen and provides therapeutic relief for asthma sufferers and other patients having comparable breathing difficulties or symptoms.
- Connector fitting 10 A is encircled by an o-ring 10 C at its upper end to provide an air-tight seal between regulator 1 and tank 2 .
- Body 10 with tank 2 attached is carried by handle 12 .
- Handle 12 has portions coated with a soft resilient polymer 12 E, such as results from being dipped in brown vinyl, this color being universally recognized in the art of breathing regulators to signify a device containing heliox rather than another gas.
- Handle 12 has a horizontal grip 12 C, a pair of opposed oblique side members 12 B, two lateral side portions 12 A, and space 12 D.
- Grip 12 C is located well above body 10 to provide space 12 D of ample proportion for operating the device.
- the two oblique side members 12 B converge toward body 10 and extend into respective side portions 12 A which approach body 10 horizontally and are secured to body 10 by one or more Torx® screws 8 or their equivalent on opposing sides of body 10 .
- a notable operating circular flow control knob 14 of polypropylene sits atop body 10 .
- Other devices such as levers or knobs of various configurations can be used in place of a knob if desired.
- Knob 14 extends upwardly from cap 41 .
- body 10 contains a piston assembly 40 beneath cap 41 .
- the assembly includes a piston 40 A, and a compression spring 36 beneath the piston.
- the piston has a hollow stem 50 carrying at its lower end a seal 52 designed to prevent heliox from entering regulator 10 until the patient or user desires, and as long as knob 14 is in the “off” position.
- hollow stem 50 also allows heliox to enter the regulator body 10 at a regulated pressure when knob 14 is in the “on” position.
- Knob 14 is carried by a knob shaft 14 A having a lower end 14 A' threadably engaging a threaded bore 14 B of cap 41 so that counter-clockwise rotation of shaft 14 A by knob 14 moves shaft 14 upward to allow the piston assembly 40 to move upward within the chamber 40 A.
- This vertical movement allows the heliox mixture to enter the regulator assembly where its pressure is regulated according to variations in the pressure of seal 52 of inlet fitting 32 and the mixture is then dispensed to the patient through fitting assembly 13 .
- Inlet fitting 32 directly beneath seal 52 allows heliox to enter the regulator at a controlled rate.
- Inlet fitting 32 is that described in co-assigned U.S. pending application Ser. No. 10/074,877 filed on Feb. 12, 2002, by Dean et al., and is incorporated by reference herein.
- knob 14 When knob 14 is in the “off” position, a downward force is evenly applied by hollow stem 50 on seal 52 . This constant and even force applied against seal 52 is also applied against the inlet fitting 32 and ensures that the heliox does not flow or leak into the regulator body when the system is not in use.
- a bore 28 below inlet fitting 32 provides communication from inlet fitting 32 to connector fitting 10 A.
- both fill fitting 11 and rupture disk 45 communicate with bore 28 .
- Inlet fitting 32 has an inlet tip 51 which forms a gas tight seal when seal 52 is urged tightly against tip 51 when knob 14 is “off.”
- An o-ring 33 (constructed of silicon as are all other o-rings in this system) surrounds hollow stem 50 at its bottom end near inlet tip 51 to prevent the heliox mixture from escaping when knob 14 is in the “off” position.
- piston assembly 40 and hollow stem 50 may move upward so that the heliox mixture may pass through a space 53 by entering hollow stem 50 by means of a series of apertures 50 A.
- the heliox mixture is communicated through hollow stem 50 and to a space 53 directly above piston assembly 40 . This creates a downward force on piston assembly 40 which is counter-balanced by a spring 36 of music wire which pushed upward on piston assembly 40 .
- the heliox mixture in tank 2 is at a high pressure of 500-2200 PSIG enters body 10 and is regulated by this counter balancing of forces.
- the heliox now at a relatively low pressure flows through the system preferably in the range of 10 liters per minute plus or minus 1 liter per minute when the system is in the “on” position in the single outlet regulator.
- the Heliox flows at a rate of 18 liters per minute plus or minus 2 liters per minute.
- Knob shaft 14 A also contains Torx screw 18 which extends into nob shaft 14 A from knob 14 .
- the knob is secured by a washer 18 A and seated beneath Torx screw 18 .
- a pull pin 15 extends vertically through knob 14 into cap 41 at a location radially outwardly from the knob's center and is secured by a spring mechanism 39 .
- a pull ring 15 B extends through the head of pull pin to permit the user to extract the pull pin 15 for enabling use of the system.
- a lanyard 23 connects pull pin ring 15 B to body 10 in order to prevent pin 15 from being misplaced after the pull pin is pulled.
- knob 14 has a knurled grip 16 to aid in turning the knob.
- a directional indication 17 shows the user that knob 14 should be turned only in a counter-clockwise direction.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show the underside of knob 14 and a cross section of the upper portion of body 10 in greater detail.
- An o-ring 30 seals knob shaft 14 A within cap 41 .
- Detent lock 24 preferably of a Nylatron® material is directly above cap 41 and below knob 14 , is explained in greater detail below.
- Cap 41 has an arcuate slot 19 molded into its topside concentric with the axis of the cap. Slot 19 extends in a 100 degree arc from its starting point to its ending point, at which is formed a recess 20 in cap 41 such that as the knob reaches its “on” position detent lock 24 is propelled into recess 20 by spring 25 .
- Detent lock 24 thus allows the knob to become locked into the “on” position. More specifically, spring 25 exerts a downward motion on detent lock 24 propelling it away from knob 14 and towards cap 41 and body 10 .
- detent lock 24 rests in slot 19 and is freely moveable thereon upon movement of knob 14 from the “off” position.
- detent lock 24 travels in slot 19 until knob 14 is rotated 100 degrees. At that point, detent lock 24 is forced downward into recess 20 of cap 41 by spring 25 to lock the device in the “on” position until reset by specializing resetting tool 3 .
- FIG. 8 shows regulator 10 with resetting tool 3 on the top side of body 10 covering knob 14 when in use.
- Resetting tool 3 is generally possessed by an authorized entity such as a service center technician or reconditioning facility.
- Resetting tool 3 is cylindrical and hollow and designed so as to be able to cover knob 14 when in use.
- Resetting tool 3 includes a cup-like body 55 having a side wall 56 with a knurled exterior surface and further includes a swingable side wall portion 57 carrying a horizontal pin member 58 .
- Side wall portion 57 is pivotally affixed to body 55 by a pivot 55 Q and is urged radially outward by a compression spring 55 R acting against a pin 55 Q.
- a compression spring 55 R acting against a pin 55 Q.
- detent lock 24 which preferably has an annular grove 24 G which the tip of prior members 58 can engage.
- system A is operated quickly and easily through a sequence of steps.
- a mask or nasal cannula (not shown) is connected to body 10 by tubing 13 T is fitted to the patient.
- the patient or user assisting the patient quickly removes pull pin 15 with enough force to extract it from knob 14 .
- Pull pin 15 remains tethered to body 10 by lanyard 23 .
- the patient (or another assisting the patient) easily turns knob 14 in a counter clockwise motion to the “on” position. While the patient is wearing a mask or cannula a therapeutic heliox mixture from tank 2 is allowed to flow through the regulator at a constant and controlled rate described above.
- knob 14 is locked into the “on” position. This provides a single, uninterrupted, dose of beneficial heliox to the patient to aid breathing.
- the locked “on” position of knob 14 assures that the flow will beneficially be continues and cannot be interrupted even though the patient may have lessening of symptoms until a treatment facility can be reached.
- An authorized service entity is equipped with resetting tool 3 and uses the tool to reset knob 14 .
- Tank 2 is refilled with fresh heliox through fill fitting 11 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a system for administering a gaseous mixture in a single continuous dose to a patient for medical treatment. More specifically, this invention relates to a device for administering a single dose of gas to a patient by means of a control valve that once turned to the “on” position cannot be turned to the “off” position by the patient.
- 2. Known Art
- In the treatment of patients with asthma it has been discovered that a gaseous mixture of helium and oxygen, referred to herein as a “heliox” mixture, is therapeutically beneficial. During an asthmatic attack, the bronchioles of the lungs become constricted and blocked with mucus. This constriction and subsequent blockage of the bronchioles causes the patient suffering the attack to be deprived of oxygen which can lead to discomfort, brain damage, or even death if not treated. It has been discovered that a heliox mixture consisting solely of helium and oxygen (usually about 80% helium and about 20% oxygen) will help increase the oxygen absorption into the restricted and blocked bronchioles of the lungs. Garret U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,332 contends that because the density of helium is lower than that of oxygen, a heliox mixture is more readily absorbed by restricted bronchioles than pure oxygen. It is believed that when oxygen is mixed with helium in a heliox mixture, the mixture of the gasses will allow more oxygen to enter the lungs and alleviate a severe asthmatic attack.
- Despite heliox treatment's properties to increase oxygen absorption of the lungs there remains a potential problem when using heliox. After a patient has begun a heliox treatment the symptoms of the asthmatic attack cease or are reduced almost immediately. This causes the patient to feel as if the treatment is no longer needed and the patient or other person treating the patient (usually an Emergency Medical Technician or another person assisting the patient) may discontinue the treatment by shutting off the device that supplies the treatment. When this is done the sudden absence of helium from the patient causes the return of an acute asthmatic attack, in that while the bronchioles were able to absorb more oxygen with the heliox mixture, they are still in a contracted and blocked state. The sudden removal of helium from the patient's lungs may cause the patient to lapse into an acute asthmatic attack, the severity of which may be fatal. Thus, in order for a heliox treatment to be effective, it should be administered continuously in a single dose until a qualified medical specialist can determine that the heliox is no longer needed or that other treatment may be safely administered.
- There are known regulators available for administering a heliox treatment, or other gaseous treatment to patients. These known devices typically have the drawback that either the patient or another person assisting the patient has complete control of the ability to turn the regulators on or off or to adjust flow rate. For example, Lewis U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,106 contends a system designed to be adaptable for use with a heliox mixture, the regulation being readily adjustable to vary the flow rates of dispensing of the gaseous mixture. Also, pending published application US application 200010035183 to Hill filed on Nov. 1, 2001, provides for a system of ventilation with a maximum degree of flexibility allowing the system to be turned on or off if desired.
- While in certain situations the ability to vary the flow rate of the gaseous mixture to the patient may be desirable, this is believed to be undesirable for patients receiving a heliox treatment who are suffering from an acute asthmatic attack As mentioned above, if the heliox treatment is suddenly stopped by the patient who feels it is safe to do so, the sudden lack of or reduction of heliox treatment might cause the patient to relapse into serious asthmatic attack. There exists a need then in the art of breathing regulators and gas distribution systems that prevents a patient from discontinuing or altering the flow rate of the life saving treatment of heliox, and provides a heliox treatment in a safe, single, continuous dose.
- Among the objects, advantages and features of the present invention are the provision of an improved gas regulation system and device which prevents the user from turning the device off and which provides a single dose of continuous treatment of a gaseous mixture. In a preferred embodiment explained herein below, the mixture used is a heliox mixture comprising about 80% helium to about 20% oxygen without other gas constituents. Among other objects, advantages, and features of this system is such a device that provides a therapeutic gaseous heliox mixture in a safe, single dose, at a continuous flow; that is of high quality and of a reliable nature; that can be packed in a sterile tamper-resistant container; that is capable of handling a variety of different gaseous mixtures at varying pressures; that cannot be activated by accident; and that can be reset and reused; and that is capable of being easily reset by a specialized tool for further use and recharged by an authorized entity. It is further an object of this invention to provide a method for treating breathing difficulty that comprises the steps of connecting a means for delivering the to the patient a beneficial gaseous mixture from the device to the patient, turning a flow control apparatus until it is locked in a “on” position, and then leaving the apparatus in the “on” position until all the gaseous mixture has been delivered to the patient or the patient has seen a qualified medical professional.
- Briefly, the system comprises a regulator including a flow initiation control operable by the patient to initiate the flow of a gaseous mixture from a pressure vessel which is connected to a regulator. A lock on the regulator prevents the control from being turned to the “off” position once activated. A specialized tool is provided to allow the regulator to be reset after it has been used, so that the system and be recharged and reset.
- Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in the following description.
- The term gaseous mixture when used in this application generally is meant to include any suitable and type of gas or liquid that is in a gaseous state once released from the pressurized container.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved gas administration system of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the regulator.
- FIG. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along line3-3 of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along line4-4 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 5 is a top plain view of a control valve of the regulator.
- FIG. 6 is a bottom plain view of the control valve of FIG. 1 of the regulator.
- FIG. 7 is a vertical cross sectional view of the top section of the regulator as taken along line7-7 of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 8 is perspective and cross sectional view of the regulator with the special resetting tool in place.
- Corresponding elements are identified by corresponding reference characters throughout the views.
- FIG. 1 shows a system A of the invention in its entirety with the exception of a special resetting tool which is described below. The system is designed to provide a patient having breathing difficulty with a single dose of an easily breathable gaseous mixture comprised of about 80% helium to 20% oxygen (the mixture being herein called “heliox”). The system can then be reset and refilled after use. System A comprises as basic components a
regulator 1, agas storage tank 2, and a resetting tool 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). -
Regulator 1 includes abody 10 having ahandle 12 for carrying the system.Regulator 10 is connected to agas storage tank 2 by aregulator body fitting 10A. The tank is preferably of size “D” so as to hold enough heliox as supplied to a patient in a continuous dose to enable the patient to arrive at a treatment center such as a hospital where more permanent treatment can be administered. Aresetting tool 3 mentioned above is usable to resetregulator 1 after use and is discussed in greater detail below. - As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the regulator comprises a
body 10 of brass alloy. Substantially all components ofbody 10 are constructed of brass except as otherwise noted. - Extending outwardly from
body 10 perpendicular to its vertical axis are a fill fitting 11 and afitting assembly 13, both of which are constructed of brass alloy.Fill fitting 11 is for fillingtank 2 with heliox mixture andfitting assembly 13 is for connecting tubing for supplying the patient with a dose of heliox. Extruding outwardly from one side ofbody 10 is apressure gauge 21 for showing the pressure of the heliox mixture intank 2. - A
gauge protector 22 protectspressure gauge 21 from external damage. The gauge protector may be of the design configuration described in co-assigned U.S. Design patent application Serial No. 29/153,112 filed Nov. 9, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference. -
Body 10 is also encircled by ahex ring 10B which is constructed of an aluminum alloy and secures togetherbody 10 and acap 41 of the body, as described below. -
Fill fitting 11 is configured to receive a known type of filling connection (not shown) for refillingtank 2 with the heliox mixture by an authorized service entity, enabling system A to be used multiple times.Fitting outlet assembly 13 permits the heliox to exitregulator 1 and then be delivered by atubing 13T to the patient. -
Assembly 13 can deliver the gaseous mixture to one or more users at one time as by connecting more than one breathing tube connection tobody 10 allowing for a single or double outlet device. One such fitting outlet assembly is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, but multiple such assemblies can be used (as in FIG. 8) for dispensing heliox to multiple patients. - At45 is a rupture kit assembly for high pressure protection.
Rupture kit 45 provides an emergency gas discharge outlet permitting the gas to escape if the pressure intank 2 is too high, as in the event of an overpressure caused by a fire for example. The pressure at which gas could escape throughrupture kit 45 is pre-determined according to known minimum save levels. - The preferred gaseous mixture of heliox comprises about 80% helium to about 20% oxygen and provides therapeutic relief for asthma sufferers and other patients having comparable breathing difficulties or symptoms. Connector fitting10A is encircled by an o-
ring 10C at its upper end to provide an air-tight seal betweenregulator 1 andtank 2. -
Body 10 withtank 2 attached is carried byhandle 12.Handle 12 has portions coated with a softresilient polymer 12E, such as results from being dipped in brown vinyl, this color being universally recognized in the art of breathing regulators to signify a device containing heliox rather than another gas.Handle 12 has ahorizontal grip 12C, a pair of opposedoblique side members 12B, twolateral side portions 12A, andspace 12D.Grip 12C is located well abovebody 10 to providespace 12D of ample proportion for operating the device. The twooblique side members 12B converge towardbody 10 and extend intorespective side portions 12A which approachbody 10 horizontally and are secured tobody 10 by one or more Torx® screws 8 or their equivalent on opposing sides ofbody 10. - Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a notable operating circular
flow control knob 14 of polypropylene sits atopbody 10. Other devices such as levers or knobs of various configurations can be used in place of a knob if desired.Knob 14 extends upwardly fromcap 41. As the cross-sectional view shows,body 10 contains apiston assembly 40 beneathcap 41. The assembly includes apiston 40A, and acompression spring 36 beneath the piston. The piston has ahollow stem 50 carrying at its lower end aseal 52 designed to prevent heliox from enteringregulator 10 until the patient or user desires, and as long asknob 14 is in the “off” position. However,hollow stem 50 also allows heliox to enter theregulator body 10 at a regulated pressure whenknob 14 is in the “on” position. These devices provide pressure regulation and flow control of the heliox mixture. -
Knob 14 is carried by aknob shaft 14A having alower end 14A' threadably engaging a threadedbore 14B ofcap 41 so that counter-clockwise rotation ofshaft 14A byknob 14moves shaft 14 upward to allow thepiston assembly 40 to move upward within thechamber 40A. This vertical movement allows the heliox mixture to enter the regulator assembly where its pressure is regulated according to variations in the pressure ofseal 52 of inlet fitting 32 and the mixture is then dispensed to the patient throughfitting assembly 13. - Inlet fitting32 directly beneath
seal 52 allows heliox to enter the regulator at a controlled rate. Inlet fitting 32 is that described in co-assigned U.S. pending application Ser. No. 10/074,877 filed on Feb. 12, 2002, by Dean et al., and is incorporated by reference herein. - When
knob 14 is in the “off” position, a downward force is evenly applied byhollow stem 50 onseal 52. This constant and even force applied againstseal 52 is also applied against the inlet fitting 32 and ensures that the heliox does not flow or leak into the regulator body when the system is not in use. - A
bore 28 below inlet fitting 32 provides communication from inlet fitting 32 to connector fitting 10A. At the upper end ofbore 28, both fill fitting 11 andrupture disk 45 communicate withbore 28. - Inlet fitting32 has an
inlet tip 51 which forms a gas tight seal whenseal 52 is urged tightly againsttip 51 whenknob 14 is “off.” An o-ring 33 (constructed of silicon as are all other o-rings in this system) surroundshollow stem 50 at its bottom end nearinlet tip 51 to prevent the heliox mixture from escaping whenknob 14 is in the “off” position. - If
knob 14 is turned to the “on” position,piston assembly 40 andhollow stem 50 may move upward so that the heliox mixture may pass through aspace 53 by enteringhollow stem 50 by means of a series ofapertures 50A. The heliox mixture is communicated throughhollow stem 50 and to aspace 53 directly abovepiston assembly 40. This creates a downward force onpiston assembly 40 which is counter-balanced by aspring 36 of music wire which pushed upward onpiston assembly 40. The heliox mixture intank 2 is at a high pressure of 500-2200 PSIG entersbody 10 and is regulated by this counter balancing of forces. The heliox now at a relatively low pressure flows through the system preferably in the range of 10 liters per minute plus or minus 1 liter per minute when the system is in the “on” position in the single outlet regulator. In the double outlet regulator the Heliox flows at a rate of 18 liters per minute plus orminus 2 liters per minute. -
Knob shaft 14A also contains Torx screw 18 which extends intonob shaft 14A fromknob 14. The knob is secured by a washer 18A and seated beneathTorx screw 18. - To prevent accidental or inadvertent operating of
knob 14, apull pin 15 extends vertically throughknob 14 intocap 41 at a location radially outwardly from the knob's center and is secured by aspring mechanism 39. Apull ring 15B extends through the head of pull pin to permit the user to extract thepull pin 15 for enabling use of the system. Alanyard 23 connectspull pin ring 15B tobody 10 in order to preventpin 15 from being misplaced after the pull pin is pulled. - Referring to FIG. 5,
knob 14 has aknurled grip 16 to aid in turning the knob. A directional indication 17 shows the user thatknob 14 should be turned only in a counter-clockwise direction. - FIGS. 6 and 7 show the underside of
knob 14 and a cross section of the upper portion ofbody 10 in greater detail. An o-ring 30seals knob shaft 14A withincap 41. -
Detent lock 24, preferably of a Nylatron® material is directly abovecap 41 and belowknob 14, is explained in greater detail below.Cap 41 has anarcuate slot 19 molded into its topside concentric with the axis of the cap.Slot 19 extends in a 100 degree arc from its starting point to its ending point, at which is formed arecess 20 incap 41 such that as the knob reaches its “on” position detent lock 24 is propelled intorecess 20 byspring 25. -
Detent lock 24 thus allows the knob to become locked into the “on” position. More specifically,spring 25 exerts a downward motion ondetent lock 24 propelling it away fromknob 14 and towardscap 41 andbody 10. When the knob is in the “off” position,detent lock 24 rests inslot 19 and is freely moveable thereon upon movement ofknob 14 from the “off” position. Asknob 14 is turned to the “on” position,detent lock 24 travels inslot 19 untilknob 14 is rotated 100 degrees. At that point,detent lock 24 is forced downward intorecess 20 ofcap 41 byspring 25 to lock the device in the “on” position until reset by specializing resettingtool 3. - FIG. 8 shows
regulator 10 with resettingtool 3 on the top side ofbody 10 coveringknob 14 when in use. Resettingtool 3 is generally possessed by an authorized entity such as a service center technician or reconditioning facility. Resettingtool 3 is cylindrical and hollow and designed so as to be able to coverknob 14 when in use. Resettingtool 3 includes a cup-like body 55 having aside wall 56 with a knurled exterior surface and further includes a swingableside wall portion 57 carrying ahorizontal pin member 58. -
Side wall portion 57 is pivotally affixed tobody 55 by apivot 55Q and is urged radially outward by acompression spring 55R acting against apin 55Q. When pressed radially inwardside wall portion 57 moveshorizontal pin member 58 radially inward to engagedetent lock 24, which preferably has anannular grove 24G which the tip ofprior members 58 can engage. - Thus, when
side wall portion 57 is pressed inward,horizontal pin member 58 is forced to engagedetent lock 24. Then, by slightly raisingtool 3 upward,detent lock 24 is lifted out ofrecess 20 to allowknob 14 to be turned back clockwise to the “off” position by clockwise turning oftool 3. - Various other resetting tools are possible, such as devices having a blade sized for
detent lock 24 to enable it to be raised for unlocking the knob allowing it to be rotated to its “off” position. - In use, system A is operated quickly and easily through a sequence of steps. First, a mask or nasal cannula (not shown) is connected to
body 10 bytubing 13T is fitted to the patient. Next, the patient or user assisting the patient quickly removespull pin 15 with enough force to extract it fromknob 14. Pullpin 15 remains tethered tobody 10 bylanyard 23. The patient (or another assisting the patient) easily turnsknob 14 in a counter clockwise motion to the “on” position. While the patient is wearing a mask or cannula a therapeutic heliox mixture fromtank 2 is allowed to flow through the regulator at a constant and controlled rate described above. - Flow continues until all the heliox in
tank 2 is expended becauseknob 14 is locked into the “on” position. This provides a single, uninterrupted, dose of beneficial heliox to the patient to aid breathing. The locked “on” position ofknob 14 assures that the flow will beneficially be continues and cannot be interrupted even though the patient may have lessening of symptoms until a treatment facility can be reached. - An authorized service entity is equipped with resetting
tool 3 and uses the tool to resetknob 14.Tank 2 is refilled with fresh heliox throughfill fitting 11. - The embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principals of the invention an its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
- As various modification could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/315,367 US6976490B2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2002-12-10 | Therapeutic single dose gas administration system |
PCT/US2003/039063 WO2004052077A2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2003-12-10 | Therapeutic single dose gas administration system |
EP03812893A EP1578464A4 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2003-12-10 | Therapeutic single dose gas administration system |
AU2003296385A AU2003296385A1 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2003-12-10 | Therapeutic single dose gas administration system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/315,367 US6976490B2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2002-12-10 | Therapeutic single dose gas administration system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040107966A1 true US20040107966A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
US6976490B2 US6976490B2 (en) | 2005-12-20 |
Family
ID=32468677
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/315,367 Expired - Lifetime US6976490B2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2002-12-10 | Therapeutic single dose gas administration system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6976490B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1578464A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003296385A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004052077A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US7089956B1 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2006-08-15 | Gilbert Davidson | Portable gas delivery device with impact protection |
EP1980261A1 (en) * | 2007-04-10 | 2008-10-15 | Nicholas Peter Franks | Use of helium with oxygen to provide neuroprotection |
US20100258129A1 (en) * | 2009-04-11 | 2010-10-14 | Drager Medical Ag & Co. Kg | Water trap for a breathing tube |
US8371629B1 (en) * | 2008-11-04 | 2013-02-12 | The Christopher W Bibow Irrevocable Trust | Tank handle and method of using a tank handle |
CN106104117A (en) * | 2014-02-27 | 2016-11-09 | 卢森堡专利公司 | Decompressor with the movable room of hat |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7588276B1 (en) * | 2004-03-13 | 2009-09-15 | Bibow Christopher W | Tank handle system |
US8393323B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2013-03-12 | Covidien Lp | Supplemental gas safety system for a breathing assistance system |
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CN106104117A (en) * | 2014-02-27 | 2016-11-09 | 卢森堡专利公司 | Decompressor with the movable room of hat |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004052077A2 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
EP1578464A4 (en) | 2010-07-07 |
WO2004052077B1 (en) | 2005-01-13 |
EP1578464A2 (en) | 2005-09-28 |
AU2003296385A8 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
US6976490B2 (en) | 2005-12-20 |
AU2003296385A1 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
WO2004052077A3 (en) | 2004-10-21 |
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